Infrared frequency comb methods, arrangements and applications

Abstract

Certain embodiments relate to and involve producing broadband phase-locked frequency combs in the near-infrared and mid-infrared spectral ranges. One such embodiment is directed to a system, with a pump laser and an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) resonator, that is configured to produce broad-bandwidth frequency combs in the near-infrared and mid-infrared frequency ranges. The pump laser is configured to produce femtosecond pulses of light having a pulse repetition rate. The optical parametric oscillator (OPO) resonator that is coupled to the pump laser for facilitating synchronous OPO pumping by matching a roundtrip time of the pulses of light within the OPO resonator with the pulse repetition rate of the pump laser. Among other more specific aspects, the OPO resonator can include a nonlinear optical gain element to provide broad-bandwidth parametric amplification, and optical elements to direct the pulses of light from the femtosecond laser to the nonlinear gain element and to direct subharmonic frequencies of the light out of the optical cavity.

Description

RELATED PATENT DOCUMENTS[0001]This patent document claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 233,367 filed on Aug. 12, 2009, and entitled “Infrared Frequency Comb Methods, Arrangements and Applications;” this patent document and the Appendices A-B filed in the underlying provisional application are fully incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]Precision spectroscopic measurements can reveal a wealth of information about our surrounding world. With laser spectroscopy, one can perform measurements in the atmosphere that expose physical, chemical, and geological processes on Earth, detect trace amounts of hazardous gases, carry out medical breath analysis and even discover traces of life in the outer planets. Conventional methods of spectroscopy could either be ultrasensitive but limited in their range of molecules to be detected (e.g., narrow-bandwidth lasers), or broad-range but not sensitive enough (e.g., Fourier transfo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present patent is about a system for producing ultra-broadband phase-locked frequency combs in the near-infrared and mid-infrared spectral ranges. The system includes a femtosecond laser that produces pulses of light, an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) resonator that provides broad-bandwidth parametric amplification, and a set of optical elements that direct the pulses of light and subharmonic frequencies of the light out of the optical cavity. The system can provide high sensitivity, high specificity, real-time operation, and standoff spectral and imaging modes of operation. The technical effects of the patent are improved frequency combs for applications such as real-time operation, high sensitivity, high specificity, and standoff spectral and imaging modes of operation.

Problems solved by technology

Conventional methods of spectroscopy could either be ultrasensitive but limited in their range of molecules to be detected (e.g., narrow-bandwidth lasers), or broad-range but not sensitive enough (e.g., Fourier transform infrared spectrometers).

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